2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 was available in Canada in four trim levels: GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, each offering a unique powertrain. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $26,700 for the base GX trim to $38,600 for the top GT Turbo, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The design of the CX-30 was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall aesthetic. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including leather upholstery in higher trims, gloss black trim, and polished metal accents. The GT Turbo model featured a tasteful combination of off-white leather, a chocolate brown centre console, and black dashboard elements, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was offered in four gas-powered trim levels in Canada, with prices starting just over $35,000 for the RAV4 LE and exceeding $45,000 for the RAV4 Limited. The Trail trim, which we tested, featured a more aggressive grille design, blacked-out wheels, and additional cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. However, it was more of a style statement than a true off-road performer. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents, contrast stitching, and a frameless rearview mirror, lending a sense of premium to the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 offered a more truck-like nature compared to the car-like experience of the Toyota Venza, with fabric upholstery in lower trims and synthetic leather in higher trims. The Limited trim boasted heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, starting with the base GX trim's 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT models featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, offering improved fuel economy at 8.2 L/100 km combined. The GT Turbo model boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD provided a smooth driving experience, with a ground clearance of 20 centimetres and an Off-Road traction assist function. However, the suspension struggled with speed bumps, and the small 48-litre fuel tank limited its range. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, offering a rewarding driving experience with its G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, featured a single engine choice for its gas-powered models: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was more "unobjectionable" than exciting, with a noticeable engine noise. The Trail trim came with 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, sharing the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models. While the RAV4's acceleration was not particularly thrilling, it offered a reliable and consistent driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable driving experience with standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power moonroof. Heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers were standard, with a heated steering wheel available from the GS trim. However, the front passenger seat offered only four-way manual adjustment, and rear legroom was tight. The CX-30's cargo space was limited, with 572 litres behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded. Storage options included a centre armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered seating for five, with 958 mm of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back, with a narrower back seat compared to competitors. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was more generous than the CX-30, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had several drawbacks, including the lack of a touchscreen display and conversational voice-recognition technology. The centre console controls required quick glances, and the steering-wheel controls were difficult to read. Despite these issues, the system featured an 8.8-inch display with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports, with Turbos adding SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command. Toyota's Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Drive Connect services were included, with some requiring a subscription. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured standard rear side airbags, outboard rear seatbelt tensioners, and other updates. Safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GT and GT Turbo trims added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features such as lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.